The National Alternative Alliance (NAA) convener, Arnold Maliba, has urged President William Ruto to acknowledge what the alliance describes as a national crisis, citing growing public dissatisfaction and mounting grievances.
Speaking ahead of the planned Saba Saba demonstrations scheduled for July 7, Maliba said the government should address the concerns raised by Kenyans, including issues of governance, economic hardship, and youth unemployment.
He warned against any interference with media freedoms, stating, “If they start switching media streams today, what stops them from switching them off in 2027?”
Maliba called on the government to operate within the framework of the Constitution and uphold the independence of media institutions.
The NAA claims that many Kenyans feel ignored by the government, and that the country is facing challenges related to governance, economic pressure, and public unrest.
The alliance says this year’s Saba Saba anniversary comes amid heightened tension and public demonstrations linked to concerns over unemployment and the state of human rights.
The group further warned that without urgent intervention, the country could face deeper instability.
It called on the President to ensure respect for human rights, including the release of arrested protesters and the halting of actions perceived as politically motivated.
NAA also appealed for compensation to families affected by recent protest incidents, along with waivers on related hospital and mortuary bills.
They further recommended that public officials involved in protest-related violence be held to account and called for restraint from inflammatory public statements.
Additionally, the alliance urged Parliament to establish a special committee to examine the root causes of the Gen Z-led protests and develop long-term solutions.
Among its proposals, NAA called for a civic-led, multi-sectoral and time-bound national dialogue to address issues such as corruption, economic inequality, youth unemployment, and political responsibility.
The alliance criticised the government’s performance, citing unfulfilled promises and persistent leadership challenges as contributing to public frustration.
Maliba questioned the impact of the administration’s development agenda, saying, “If it were truly working, Kenya would not be experiencing the current turmoil.”
NAA listed several unresolved concerns it believes have undermined public trust, including procurement controversies, financial scandals, and recent government initiatives that have drawn scrutiny. These include issues around essential supplies, taxation policies, and foreign engagements.
To address the youth agenda, the alliance proposed various initiatives, including recruitment into the police and military, revitalisation of youth funds, youth council elections, and reforms in higher education.
They also recommended the reinstatement of student union voting rights and support for university students who had dropped out.
In conclusion, the alliance stated that the country's future and that of its youth depend on timely and effective action.
